US, UK launch strikes on Houthi
In a decisive move, the United States and the United Kingdom, joined by allies including Australia, Bahrain, Canada, and the Netherlands, carried out precision strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen.
The strikes come as a robust response to the Iran-backed Houthi militant group’s repeated attacks on international maritime vessels in the Red Sea, prompting warnings from the Biden administration and its allies.
President Joe Biden stated, “Today, U.S. military forces, together with the United Kingdom and support from our allies, successfully conducted strikes against a number of targets in Yemen used by Houthi rebels to endanger freedom of navigation.”
The strikes targeted over 60 locations, hitting command and control nodes, munitions depots, launching systems, production facilities, and air defense radar systems.
This marks the first known strike against the Houthis in Yemen, a significant departure from the US’s previous approach of avoiding direct strikes in the region.
The UK, contributing four Typhoon jets and support aircraft, emphasized that the strikes were an act of self-defense aimed at de-escalating tensions and restoring stability to the region.
The USS Florida, a guided missile submarine, along with other naval assets, participated in the operation. The strikes, involving fighter jets and Tomahawk missiles, aimed to degrade Houthi capabilities responsible for ongoing attacks on vessels in the Red Sea.
The international community expressed concern over the threat to one of the world’s most critical waterways, and French naval forces cooperated with the US, patrolling the waters where the Houthis operate.
Houthi spokesperson Yahya Sare’e reported casualties from the strikes, condemning the actions but affirming their commitment to further attacks on shipping. The Houthi attacks, perceived as showing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza, have intensified amid the Israel-Hamas conflict.
As tensions rise, the strikes underscore the global alarm over the Red Sea shipping threats, forcing major shipping companies to reroute vessels around Africa. The United Nations Security Council, in a recent resolution, condemned Houthi attacks on merchant vessels, demanding an immediate cessation.
While concerns persist about potential retaliation and escalation, the US and its allies signal readiness for further action if Houthi attacks continue. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing assessments of the impact of the strikes and the geopolitical implications for the region.
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